MEDfOR

Master in Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources Management

A two-year world-class Erasmus Mundus Master Course Programme that answers a call for a coordinated approach throughout the Mediterranean basin to develop reliable information and tools - based on sound science and a multidisciplinary approach, in order to improve Mediterranean forestry and natural resources management and policy-making.

25/08/2026

Where it all began. 🌲

This is the first MEDfOR cohort — the 2012–2014 edition — on a field visit during their first year.

Fourteen years on, that group has become something bigger than any of us pictured at the time: a network of foresters, researchers, consultants and policy specialists working across the Mediterranean and far beyond it. The programme has grown, the consortium has grown, but the thing in this photograph hasn't changed — students from a dozen countries, out in the field together, learning a landscape by walking through it.

To everyone in this picture: we'd love to know where you are now. Drop a comment and tell us what you're working on. 👇

And if you spot yourself — or a classmate who should see this — tag them.

📷 Photo by Sacha Khoury, MEDfOR 1st edition

🌍 www.medfor.eu

15/08/2026

📢 Two scholarships at the University of Lleida — MEDfOR first year, October 2026
The University of Lleida (UdL) will offer two scholarships for new first-year students starting the MEDfOR Erasmus Mundus Joint Master at UdL in October 2026. Each scholarship covers tuition fees, insurance, and admission management costs.
Open to applicants of any nationality. Applications will be assessed on academic merit (CV and academic transcript). A brief statement of financial circumstances may be considered by the selection committee as an additional factor among candidates of comparable academic merit. The scholarships are not compatible with other funding received for the same purpose from a candidate's home country or institution.
Timeline: the call opens in the first week of September 2026, applications close in the second week of September, and results are announced by the UdL faculty committee by the end of September 2026. As the programme begins in October, candidates should factor in the time needed for relocation and any entry or visa formalities when deciding whether to apply.
Interested students are welcome to write to Dr. Paula Martín Gómez ([email protected]) during August to express interest, although the official call will not open until September.
For all general enquiries: [email protected]
🌍 www.medfor.eu

26/07/2026

🌲 Celebrating Success at the MEDfOR Summer Event 2026! 🎓

What an unforgettable gathering in the breathtaking Italian Alps! Our 13th edition MEDfOR students—who are getting ready to graduate very soon—came together in Pieve Tesino, Italy for a summer event filled with inspiring presentations, field activities, and meaningful connections.

A huge thank you to our host, University of Viterbo "La Tuscia", for arranging such a fantastic event in this stunning alpine setting. 🏔️

🌟 Special Acknowledgments & Gratitude
Prof. Barbati Anna & Prof. Paolo Angelis — Heartfelt thanks for all your hard work in organizing and hosting this wonderful experience!

Prof. Jose Borges (MEDfOR Program Coordinator) — Thank you for participating in all the activities with us and delivering an inspiring presentation on "MEDfOR Competitiveness and Sustainability: Combining Research and Education Programs and Experience."

💡 Alumni Insights & Inspiration
We were also thrilled to welcome back incredible MEDfOR alumni who generously shared their knowledge and post-graduation journeys with our upcoming grads:
Logan bingham — Presented on "Uncertainty, Landscapes, and Ecosystem Services"
Olha Nahorna — Delivered a talk on "Forest Planning Under Uncertainty and Value of Improved Information"
Sergio Rodríguez Fernández— Shared valuable personal reflections on "My Experience Post-MEDfOR"

To our graduating 13th edition cohort: congratulations on nearing the finish line! Your dedication to sustainable forest management and research inspires us all. We can't wait to see the impact you will make around the globe. 🌍💚

10/07/2026

Congratulations to our MEDfOR alumnus, Aytolgn A. Melese, on his latest scientific publication! 🌿📚

We are delighted to celebrate the achievement of Aytolgn A. Melese, a graduate of the 12th edition of the MEDfOR Programme, whose MEDfOR Master's thesis has been published in the journal Forests MDPI.

📄 Publication: Frankincense Essential Oil Comparison Among Commercial Grades and Harvesting Locations in Ethiopia

This research provides valuable insights into the quality and characteristics of frankincense essential oils from different commercial grades and harvesting locations in Ethiopia. Its findings have important implications for promoting the bio-based economy, strengthening non-timber forest product (NTFP) value chains, supporting sustainable forest-based enterprises, creating green jobs, and enhancing the value of forest ecosystems.

We are proud to see our alumni making meaningful contributions to forest science and sustainable natural resource management through high-quality research with real-world impact.

Congratulations once again, Aytolgn! We wish you continued success in your research and professional journey.

03/07/2026

Congratulations to our MEDfOR alumnus, Dagm Fikir Abate, on this exciting new milestone!🎉

We are proud to celebrate DAGM FİKİR ABATE as he begins a new position as a Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Minnesota.

In this role, he will focus on modeling, simulation, optimization, and decision support systems, integrating wildlife and provisioning ecosystem services to advance sustainable forest management and support informed decision-making.

This achievement reflects the dedication, expertise, and global impact of our MEDfOR alumni community. We wish DAGM every success in this new chapter and look forward to seeing the valuable contributions his research will make toward sustainable forest management.

Congratulations once again, DAGM! 🌿👏

26/06/2026

MEDfOR Alumni Spotlight 🎓

We are pleased to spotlight Sandeep Timilsina (MEDfOR Class of 2024) from Nepal, whose academic journey reflects the international opportunities fostered through the MEDfOR network.

After graduating from MEDfOR, Sandeep worked as a First Stage Researcher at the Forest Research Centre, School of Agriculture, (Instituto Superior de Agronomia), Portugal, where he further developed his research experience in forestry and environmental sciences.

Today, Sandeep is pursuing a fully funded PhD in Wildfire Science at Oregon State University, USA. His journey highlights how MEDfOR graduates continue to build successful academic careers through the programme's international partnerships and associated institutions. We are particularly proud to see one of our associated partners, Oregon State University, playing an active role in supporting the next stage of a MEDfOR alumnus' academic development.

💬 "The strongest aspects of MEDfOR include the opportunity to study and explore in multiple countries, meet talented fellows, earn a reputed MEDfOR degree, and create lifetime memories."

Reflecting on his MEDfOR experience, Sandeep emphasizes the value of international exposure, collaboration with talented peers, and the global network built throughout the programme.

His story demonstrates how the connections established during MEDfOR can continue to create opportunities beyond graduation, supporting alumni as they advance into research, academia, and professional leadership roles.

👏 Congratulations, Sandeep, on your achievements so far. We wish you continued success in your PhD journey and look forward to following your contributions to wildfire science and sustainable forest management.

22/06/2026

🎓🌿 Congratulations to our MEDfOR student Vjollca on graduating with a Master in Forestry and Environmental Sciences from University of Tuscia!

We are proud to see our alumni continue to achieve great milestones and contribute to the future of forestry and environmental sustainability. Wishing you continued success and many exciting opportunities ahead, Vjollca! 🌲✨

12/06/2026

🌱 MEDfOR student in action!

Sophia Pruden, a student from the 14th edition of MEDfOR, recently joined field activities near Valderrobres and Matarranya, helping researchers carry out electrofishing surveys to identify fish species and assess water quality and habitat conditions.

The fieldwork contributes to a national conservation project funded through the European Union’s NextGenerationEU programme, aimed at improving knowledge of Spain’s terrestrial and freshwater fauna.

One of the highlights of the trip was witnessing transhumance—the traditional movement of livestock led by shepherds across the landscape. For Sophia, coming from the USA, it was an unforgettable experience!

We love seeing our students combine scientific learning with unique cultural experiences in the field.

📸 Swipe through the photos to see some moments from the day.

04/06/2026

🌲📚 MEDfOR 13th Edition Students in Action!

Our MEDfOR students recently took part in an exciting learning activity organized by Instituto Superior de Agronomia, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights into sustainable forest management practices.

Field activities like these are an essential part of the MEDfOR journey, allowing students to learn directly from experts, explore real-world challenges, and develop practical skills for their future careers in forestry and environmental management.

👏 Congratulations to all participating students and thank you to ISA for hosting this enriching experience!

Together, we are building a more sustainable future for forests and society. 🌍🌳

24/04/2026

Yesterday, the MEDfOR team successfully hosted a webinar dedicated to our newly selected non-EU students, supporting them as they prepare for their journey to Europe and the next steps of the programme.

The session was led by Ilaria from UNIPD (Italy), and featured two key presentations:

• Muhammed, from the Programme Secretariat, guided students through the administrative process, outlining month-by-month steps to ensure a smooth arrival at our partner universities.

• Prof. Jose Borges presented valuable insights on funding opportunities that students from this edition may be eligible to apply for.

The webinar was highly engaging, with strong participation and many thoughtful questions from students, all of which were addressed during the session.

We are excited to support our new cohort as they begin this important transition and look forward to welcoming them soon to the MEDfOR community!

Endereço

Lisbon
1349LISBON

Website

http://www.medfor.eu/

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